The Elmley Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £287,980 (grants to institutions, 2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Within 2 months
• Grant Range: Rarely over £2,000 for unsolicited applications
• Geographic Focus: Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Contact Details

• Website: www.elmley.org.uk
• Email: foundation@elmley.org.uk
• Phone: 01363 877433
• Pre-application contact: Strongly advised before formal application

Overview

The Elmley Foundation is an independent grantmaking charity established through an endowment from the late Countess Beauchamp of Madresfield Court. With total annual expenditure of £427,809 (2024), the foundation dedicates approximately £300,000 annually to supporting arts, crafts, and design initiatives in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The foundation continues the tradition of arts encouragement historically associated with Madresfield Court, focusing on filling gaps and developing the regional arts scene. Recent financial data shows significant growth in investment income to £303,017, strengthening the foundation's ability to support cultural development in its target counties.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Main Programme: Up to £2,000 typically (higher amounts by discussion)
• Elmley Community Arts Fund: Amounts vary based on project needs
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis year-round

Priority Areas

• Arts, crafts, and design initiatives
• Cultural development projects
• Projects that fill gaps in the local arts scene
• Support for individual artists from Herefordshire and Worcestershire
• Educational opportunities for talented individuals pursuing professional arts careers
• Postgraduate arts courses for local students

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's strict geographic focus and arts-only remit suggests they do not fund:

• Projects outside Herefordshire and Worcestershire
• Non-arts related activities
• General charitable causes unrelated to cultural development

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Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates with 6 trustees and 2 employees:

• Diana Susan Johnson - Chair (appointed 1991)
• Dr Thomas-Leo Richard True - Trustee (appointed 2025)
• Elmley Francis Dornonville de la Cour - Trustee (appointed 2025)
• Katherine Forde - Trustee (appointed 2025)
• Hugh Bampfield Carslake - Trustee (appointed 2017)
• Sally Katrina Luton - Trustee (appointed 2014)

No trustees receive remuneration, demonstrating commitment to maximizing charitable impact.

How to Apply to The Elmley Foundation

How to Apply

• Applications accepted at any time throughout the year
• Submit via email to foundation@elmley.org.uk or by post
• Optional application form available for download (recommended)
• Critical: Contact the foundation before submitting a formal application

Required application materials:

• Letter explaining project needs and objectives
• Income and expenditure estimate
• Details on project beneficiaries
• Evidence of balanced financing
• Information on other funding sources or sponsorships

Decision Timeline

• Decisions typically provided within 2 months of application
• No fixed committee meeting dates; rolling review process

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated, though the foundation's encouragement of pre-application contact suggests unsuccessful applicants can discuss future opportunities

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's guidance:

• Pre-application contact is strongly advised - this appears to be a critical success factor
• First-time applicants requesting over £2,000 should begin with a short project description rather than a full application
• Demonstrate balanced financing with multiple funding sources
• Clear articulation of how the project benefits Herefordshire and Worcestershire arts scenes
• Organizations must have formal constitution and proper financial controls
• Individual artists must partner with an organization to ensure public access to work
• Projects that “fill gaps” in the local arts provision are particularly favored

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Always contact the foundation before applying - this is explicitly stated as strong advice
• Grants rarely exceed £2,000 for unsolicited applications; larger amounts require prior discussion
• Geographic focus on Herefordshire and Worcestershire is strict
• The foundation values projects that develop and enrich the regional arts landscape
• Individual artists can apply but must work through an organization
• Applications can be submitted year-round with relatively quick 2-month decisions
• The foundation has recently seen significant growth in investment income, potentially increasing future grant capacity

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• National Lottery Heritage Fund
• The Headley Trust
• The Swire Charitable Trust
• The Rowlands Trust
• The Street Foundation
• The Mccorquodale Charitable Trust
• The Arts Council Of England
• The Hawthorne Charitable Trust
• Before Trust
• The Edward And Dorothy Cadbury Trust
• The Wolfson Foundation
• National Lottery
• The Barbara Whatmore Charitable Trust
• Supporting Communities

References

• The Elmley Foundation official website (www.elmley.org.uk) -
• The Elmley Foundation “How to Apply” page -
• The Elmley Foundation “Who Can Apply” page -
• Charity Commission Register (charity number 1004043) - Financial data and trustee information -
• Charity Commission Financial History for The Elmley Foundation -